Orien John Kenneth (Ken) West

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ken West in the Vernon Jubilee Hospital surrounded by his family on January 8th, 2008 at the age of 77 years. Ken was born in Hamilton, Ontario on January 25th, 1930 to Kenneth John & Annie (Sholer) West.

Ken was predeceased by his loving wife, Helen on November 25th, 2007, his brother, Joseph in 2000 and his twin sister at birth.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his son, Larry (Joanie and daughter Erin) of Kelowna, B.C.; his daughter, Jo-Anne of Vernon, B.C.; two grandchildren, Nathan and Leslie; his Godson, Michael (Lisa) Novak of Vancouver, B.C.; three brothers, Tom (Terry) West, Harold West, Ron (Karen) West and their daughters, Patricia (Bruce) Molnar, Brenda (Dave) Fiddler, Rhonda (John) Csajaghy, Tammy (Joe) Bayards, April (Mike) Fowler, Kristine (Bob) West, all of the Hamilton, Ontario area. Ron and his family were a special part of Ken & Helen’s life when they lived in Vernon; extended family members, Robert (Gwen) Dodds of Surrey, B.C., Mary Jean Taylor of Salmo, B.C., Irene Hamilton of Richmond, B.C., and Ruby (Gordie Weir) Anderson of Bella Coola, B.C.; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. His good pal, Ron Franks who was always there to spend time with Ken, will greatly miss him.

Ken & Helen were married on August 23rd, 1952 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and continued to live in Salmo, B.C. until they moved to Vernon in 1956. Ken as a heavy-duty mechanic started working at J.S. Galbraith & Son and stayed working through the many company changes and completed his career with Brown International Services. Ken also mentored many apprentice mechanics during this time. Ken’s business, KW Building Repairs, allowed him to explore his other talents and then he later supported Helen with Westcraft Wholesale. Lastly, he switched roles with Helen and became her caregiver. Ken’s pride was his very productive vegetable garden, which he generously shared with family, friends and local soup kitchens. Ken always kept busy with either a yard or home improvement project and spent time in his workshop creating or designing a new item or gadget. Ken was a proud member – past president of the Vernon Lions Club and was very active with Helen in the community service group. Some of his other passions were fishing, hunting, camping, slow pitch and spending time doing projects with his grandson, Nathan.

Cremation preceded at Celebration Of Ken’s Life which will be held at the Army, Navy & Airforce Veteran’s Hall, 2500-46th Avenue, on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. Interment of Ken’s cremated remains will take place at a later date in the family plot at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Ken to the B.C. Heart & Stroke Foundation, #202-3402-27th Avenue, Vernon, B.C. V1T 1S1 (250) 558-5815

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of 2 West, the Emergency Room of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Dr. David Screen for the care and concern you all showed to Ken.